Job Description

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and innovative Food Systems Agronomist knowledgeable in tropical production systems of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to lead a comprehensive review of sweetpotato and potato growth and production in major agro-ecologies and design a research program to effectively improve the integration of improved, biofortified and climate resilient sweetpotato and potato varieties into existing agro-ecologies where these crops plays an important role as well as the environments where they have high potential to improve human and animal nutrition. The position requires collaborating with breeders, seed system specialists, nutritionists, and agricultural economists.

The position: The successful candidate will be based in Kigali, Rwanda. This exciting position is an opportunity for an innovative food systems thinker to work with leading sweetpotato and potato experts in a variety of disciplines to reflect on the current state of knowledge on these important crops production systems and current and potential role in the context of climate change, the need for sustainable intensification and rapid urbanization on the African content. Gaps in knowledge will be identified and a world class research program developed to address those gaps, in consultation with a range of stakeholders in additional to CIP scientists. The Food System Agronomist will report to the Project Manager of the Sweetpotato Action for Security Health in Africa Project and he/she will co- report to the Leader of the Crop and System Sciences Division.

Selection Criteria:

D. degree in agronomy or other relevant degree.

• Extensive working experience involved in food systems research.
• Excellent knowledge of statistics and design and analysis of trial datasets from field experiments.
• Knowledge of crop management and a good understanding of fertility and water management in the sub-Saharan African context, ideally in root or horticultural crops.
• Skills in crop modeling.
• Familiarity and ability to effectively use geographic information systems.
• Exposure to and knowledge of key research findings in climate change and food systems research.
• Prior work with or knowledge of a root and tuber crop preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Working knowledge of Portuguese and French desirable.
• Demonstrable ability to attract competitive funding.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams preferred.
• Good record of publications and citations.
• Willingness to travel and work under field conditions.

About the Organization

The Center: CIP is a non-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

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